3 minute read
Mt Maunganui Must Do's
SUMMIT ‘THE MOUNT’ Climbing the Mauao takes about 40 minutes of sweat-inducing puff, but the views are phenomenal. No less breathtaking is the largely flat walk around its sea-fronting base.
MAIN BEACH Channelling a lively resort vibe, access to shops and cafés is all but a two-minute walk away. Lifeguards patrol the surf beach in summer.
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WATERSPORTS Fill your days in the Mount’s big blue backyard. Kids will love the Mount Water Bikes on Pilot Bay, and sea-biscuiting from the back of a jet ski with Aqua 360 Tours. Bigger kids can have get their adrenalin rush from parasailing, wake-boarding and water-skiing, or for a more serene experience there is always kayaking and paddleboarding.
PILOT BAY On the other side of the township, this soft curve of golden bay is calm and serene.
MATAKANA ISLAND Make your own way there or hop aboard Kewpie Cruises to visit this remarkable 20km long stretch of land, displaying beaches, thick pine forest, sheltered orchards and native wildlife.
CLASSIC FLYERS AVIATION MUSEUM Admire a fascinating collection of aviation and military artefacts. An aviation playground is on site for younger guests.
DINE ON A LIME Grab a Lime scooter, cut traffic and support local, scooting your way around 18 recommended eateries.
MOTURIKI ISLAND/LEISURE ISLAND can be accessed via a small path from Main Beach.
MOUNT HOT POOLS Sink into hot salt pools of varying degrees.
V8 TRIKE TOURS Sit back in a V8 Chevrolet trike and explore with the wind in your hair.
THE LITTLE BIG MARKETS Bringing together street food, artisan stallholders and live music, this bustling market is held on the first Saturday of the month.
ROLLED ICE CREAM Feeling hot? Then hit the Polar Bar. Watch your ice cream be rolled, chopped and topped. It gets busy but is really worth the wait.
BAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE Money burning a hole in your pocket? Then look no further than this shopping oasis. Keep an eye out for the art installations within and stock up at the eco-friendly store, The Source.
BAY KARTS Race your mates with state-of-the-art Formula 1 racestyle system on go karts.
BITES OF THE BAY Jump on a three to four-hour mini-van tour and meet the people producing the area’s best flavours, while of course, chomping on local cheese, fruit, honey, gelato, prime meats and more.
Pilot Bay, Mt Maunganui © Bay of Plenty Tourism
